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(You may wish to print and read as a Newsletter) |
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Response to Letters Soar
Readers
get “hooked” on
By
In
a recent move to encourage Shawn and
Responses vary, but all have
been positive so far. When asked
how they feel about this phenomenon Jennifer responded with “I can’t believe
people would take time out of their busy schedules to keep up on our day
to day lives, I feel so loved… it’s almost like we are putting on an episode
of ‘Ed TV’ where the main character’s life, played by Jim Carey, is video
taped like a movie with step by step footage for the world to see.
However, I don’t think that program had any cockroaches.”
Her spouse Shawn was quoted saying
“It’s nice to know all the hard work we have spent on the web site is providing
people with entertainment during their lunch breaks.”
Shawn referencing that nearly half of the visits to the couple’s
web site have been originating from corporate servers.
We can only assume it is on their lunch break.
J
Peace Corps swearing in ceremony
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EDITORS PAGE
HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE
SAYING
Twice
a year a friend of mine in Cincinnati asks me to write an "inspirational"
message for her kids for a church retreat…I used a large portion of your
letter #8 as a point for the high school-aged youth to appreciate how good
we have it and to not take daily luxuries for granted (like a grocery store,
or a bag of cookies.) Your letter
worked quite well. Thanks!
-Rick in WI
I
read Shawn's
"mundane" diary items.
Although, I don't think they are mundane at all- You're doing a GREAT
job! Keep it up!
…I was thinking it would be great to come visit, but with the violence,
the vaccinations, the passport, the airfare, the ride from the airport and
not to mention the fact that I don't speak a single word of Spanish...
-
Okay,
who is this person writing these stories and what planet is she on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You really are in another world, Jennifer. I think you will have just as
much adjustment when you get back as you are having now.
I commend you and respect you greatly for everything you are doing.
Your strength, courage and determination are beyond what any of us could
ever possibly dream. God bless you.
–Dana in MN
[Dana’s
comment from above is right! The following message scared us.
In
My
friend, Brenda, and I are going to Marshall Field's on the Friday after
Thanksgiving to get the free gift and check out the "Night Before Christmas"
display. There is also a new Target in downtown
–Tonja
in MN
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WEB SITE HITS AN ALL TIME HIGH
WHAT WILL THE STATS LOOK LIKE
IN DEC?
By
Statistics for www.globalsilveras.com
hit an all time high last month with 174 visits to the site and 522 pages
being viewed by visitors. The most
popular areas to visit were the Photo Album,
Shawn’s Diary, and
the archived Letters
From Honduras. Statistics for
December are predicted to increase dramatically now that the
Photo Album has
been updated to include photos of the couples
new home in
Check out what all the
hype is about at
www.globalsilveras.com
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You
have awakened memories of a time in
–
Robert in
School
is challenging right now. Last week was so crazy with school and everything
that I felt like I couldn't even take a breath. Your letters help remind
me not to get too caught up in all those things, but to stop and enjoy the
moments I am living in. Thanks!
–
Sarah in MN
[In a
letter to Jen’s niece and nephew, ages 4 and 2 ½ , we commented on some
pictures they sent us that we put on our refrigerator. Here is their response:]
We don't have pictures of you on our fridge. Mom said not to
say that, and she's putting some up right now. We miss you berry much.
-Ashlyn & Evan in MN
I really
love Veteran's Day. What a great holiday, especially with Thanksgiving
right around the corner. You know, I ask myself, the Army, Navy, Air
Force, and Marines have Veteran's Day to celebrate, well, my question is
what does the Peace Corps have? Oh, wait, that's right, Earth Day!
I am just kidding! I am really proud of you and Jen moving soooo far
outside your comfort zone, from home, and doing this. It will be something
you will always be able to share together. Very few people have that
courage.
–
Scott in NC
Thank
you for the updates. Your letters
provide wonderful perspective. I
was telling Cindy on Sunday, that while I am grateful for the material blessings
we have, I am concerned about missing out on the more important matters
of life. You're letters only intensifies both ends of that spectrum.
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HOW TO GET A HOLD OF THE FAR
AWAY COUPLE
Shawn-Miguel and
Peace Corps
Web Site -
www.globalsilveras.com
Email -
globalsilveras@yahoo.com
Quotes
for the Month
There was
never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope. -
Berm Williams
The Jump
is so frightening between where I am and where I want to be.
Because of all I may become, I will close my eyes and LEAP.
- Maryanne Radmacher
I’ve always
believed that if you do what you love, life will send you on a fantastic
journey.
- Nathaniel Eberle – Peace Corps Volunteer
To be
content is to truly enjoy life.
-
With brains
in your head and feet in your shoes, you can go anywhere you choose.
- Dr. Suess
I hate
Honduran dogs.
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Winter
has hit with a vengeance here in
As
always I enjoyed your letter. Sure
makes the 3-hour trip to Cub Foods with a crabby 1-year-old, seem like less
of a nightmare! … I hope you are
finding some good coping skills. It is very lucky that you have each other.
When you come back, can you teach us
Stomp the Gusanos?
It sounds like a great party game – Deanne in MN
You two are the cutest, funniest, greatest people I
know! I absolutely love getting your emails. They make me laugh
and cry and they just make me so proud of you both! Your descriptions
of things are great. Take care of each other. Kill a worm or two for
me. I love you both very much. Your relationship is just going
to grow and grow and you will be closer than most couples could only dream
about. So, only 726 more days to go, huh? – Cindy in MN
[To clarify, we have different tubs to do
our washing. This made our friend
feel a lot better when she discovered that!]
Your living arrangements are so very interesting.
I can't imagine bathing, doing laundry, and washing dishes in the same place.
It grosses me out just thinking about it (sorry, not real encouraging, I
know). Seven hours to get groceries and only for the essentials. That
is so far from my understanding.
I cannot even comprehend what you are doing. Is life simpler, or just
a different kind of difficult? You are in my constant thoughts and prayers.
–Jami in NC
I feel
awful not having written to you since you left. I'm a bad cousin and
deserve to have an old-fashioned Silvera snuggie when you get back.
Anyway, I have been reading the updates and appreciate you sending them.
It's been great to get a virtual picture of your situation. Wow, what
an incredible learning and growing experience this must be for you.
We're praying for you and, though it will be a while, are already excited
to have you guys back in town. This has especially come to mind lately
- your mom invited us over for Thanksgiving dinner; however, it won't be
nearly the same without you and Jennifer. I guess I'm going to have
to provide after-dinner musical entertainment solo this year. But
who's going to sing the other part of "If I Had a Million Dollars?"
–Brian
in MN
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Do you need a new
Car? Shawn and Jennifer still have a newer 1999 Ford Taurus for sale. It is fully loaded, leather interior, and in very good condition.
Call Larry
Vander Poel at 763-754-2486 for more details.
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I can't
tell you what an encouragement your updates are for me.
It is humbling to hear the things you are learning and experiencing.
God is using your experience in my life.
It helps me to keep things in perspective and to remember what is
really important.
– Lori
in TN
Ok, you guys make me cry.
Such sweet letters - and thank you for sharing about your love for
each other and also for your adventures - you're remembered and missed up
here with lots of love - and admiration!!!!!
– Wendy
in MN
You
and Shawn are going to be dynamite volunteers.....You are both so very capable
and kind that they will be begging you to stay past your time. It
must feel kind of overwhelming to see how little they have. You both have
such compassion that it must be hard to understand how we have so much and
they do not--- but for the grace of God we could have be born to that life.
You will make a difference in many lives there; because God does have a
plan for you and he sent his best children (you) to make it so. Meanwhile
I will pray that the worms die out and the heat lets up.
– Mom
Silvera in MN
After reading your latest letter, I know
we Americans take our freedoms and wealth for granted.
I have always been very thankful for the gifts that God has provided
for me, but you have helped me focus on, "what can I do for my community".
I really do admire you and think this experience is invaluable for
your life and marriage. Thanks so
much for your insight. I am very fortunate that you are sharing your journey
with me.
–
Bob in MN
Hello
from snowy
Jennifer,
at the age of six or seven you were determined to type a story about a man
who tried to grow carrots and was having trouble, but he kept on trying
until the carrots grew. Like the
man in the story you kept typing and typing until you completed your story.
I remember you being so determined. I am sure you remember that.
I believe determination will see you through again.
–
Dad Vander Poel in MN
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Happy Holidays from
The Silveras!
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